Advertisement
More radiant skin may appear due to physiological responses to pregnancy
The idea of “pregnancy glow” sounds like an old-timey myth. The notion that you can somehow become radiant while expecting seems like folklore in this age of elevated scientific understanding.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
But a more luminous appearance during pregnancy can be as real as that inevitable baby bump — and there are clear medical reasons as to why.
Let’s turn to Ob/Gyn Catherine Caponero, DO, to enlighten us.
During pregnancy, some women may find that their cheeks grow rosier and their skin looks more vibrant. Those physical changes can result in what many describe as a “glowing” appearance.
People typically find that this happens in the second trimester. But some report it throughout their pregnancy.
Explanations for gestational glow typically focus on two physiological responses to pregnancy:
There’s also a long-held belief that happiness about being pregnant may add a certain luster to your appearance. There may be some validity to that theory, but it’s not always true.
Advertisement
“There are people who ‘glow’ who truly love being pregnant,” notes Dr. Caponero. “But not everyone enjoys pregnancy.” (Morning sickness, anyone?)
Everyone loves to guess whether you’re having a boy or a girl, right? Well, it’s been said that a person’s glow status during pregnancy can be a telling sign.
According to legend, a pregnancy glow means you’ll have a boy. A face filled with acne, on the other hand, hints at a girl being born. (The theory there was that a baby girl “stole” her mother’s beauty.)
As you might expect, this isn’t a foolproof method. “There are no physical changes during pregnancy that will indicate the sex of the baby,” states Dr. Caponero.
While pregnancy glow is a completely natural bodily reaction, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it.
“Bodies respond differently to pregnancy,” emphasizes Dr. Caponero. “So, just as it’s completely normal to experience pregnancy glow, it’s completely normal to NOT see it, too.”
Radiant skin is just one example of a “beauty” perk connected to pregnancy. Others include:
The name gives it away. If you get a pregnancy glow, expect it to disappear soon after your pregnancy ends. “After giving birth, your skin will typically change back to its pre-pregnancy state as your hormones return to previous levels,” says Dr. Caponero.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Sleeping on your back for long stretches may impact circulation as your bump gets bigger — sleeping on your side is safest
Lifestyle changes can help, but you may also need medication
You may have a lower chance of getting pregnant while nursing — but it’s still possible
Obesity, age and preexisting heart conditions can all raise your risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy
Science is mixed, but if you want to try stretching your perineum, here’s how to do it safely
The birthing process can take longer than you might expect, and plans can always change
While it’s probably not your most fertile time, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period
Plan ahead, pack that bag, be attentive and be an advocate
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims